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Modi-Trump Meet: Tariffs are expected to be on the table as the two world leaders meet in the White House during PM Modi’s two-day visit to the United States.
PM Modi US Visit LIVE Updates: US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)
India is not expecting a major impact from US President Donald Trump’s unannounced announcement on reciprocal tariffs, sources told CNBC-TV18.
Trump on Thursday wrote a cryptic social media post just hours before his scheduled meeting with PM Narendra Modi in Washington DC. In the post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Three great weeks, perhaps the best ever, but today is the big one: reciprocal tariffs!!! make America great again!!!”
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Tariffs are expected to be discussed between the two leaders during the meet in the White House. Trump’s post comes after the US President, not yet one month into his presidency, has wielded the threat of tariffs against friend and foe alike to try to extract new trade deals, investment or law enforcement help.
According to news agency PTI, people closely tracking the India-US ties said there is a possibility of both sides exploring the option of looking at a trade pact to avoid high tariffs and expand the overall trade basket. It is learnt that New Delhi may consider slashing tariffs in at least a dozen sectors provided some reciprocity by the White House.
At several occasions, Trump has said that he plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on countries- aimed at matching US import duties with the tax rates imposed by other countries.
Read More: New US Tariffs On India? Trump’s Cryptic Post Sparks Speculation Ahead Of Meet With PM Modi
After the bilateral meet, India and the US are likely to announce a roadmap for a strong trade pact in sectors like trade, investment, energy, defence, technology and immigration, sources said, adding that both the countries could announce a trade deal by fall of 2025.
Additionally, India is expected to give more access to US industrial goods and in return, it might seek more access for labour intensive manufacturing products in America.
As per the sources, the additional tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods have in a way, opened an opportunity for India.
Ahead of Modi-Trump meet, a senior White House official said that India’s early body language and modest steps towards reducing trade deficit are welcomed by the US.
Read More: Tariffs, Immigration, Defence: What’s On Agenda As PM Modi Arrives On Two-Day US Visit
The official further hinted that the two world leaders would sign a new defence framework today. He said that the talks on new defence procurements have been positive and will bring down trade deficit.
PM Modi In US
PM Modi on Thursday arrived in Washington DC on a two-day visit to hold high-stakes talks with President Trump. During his two-day visit to the US, PM Modi and Trump will hold high-stakes talks and bilateral discussions in the White House. They both are expected to meet at 2.35 am (IST) and will address a press briefing at 3.40 am (IST).
Modi is also expected to meet tech billionaire Elon Musk, with discussions likely to include Starlink’s long-delayed entry into the Indian market, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the plans.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
